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Why Thailand Can Be a Rewarding (But Sometimes Challenging) Destination for Vegan Travellers
Thailand’s the kind of place that hooks you – golden temples, bustling markets, wonderful people and beaches so gorgeous you’ll want to stay forever. Let’s be honest though, travelling as a vegan isn’t always easy. Throw in a different language, unfamiliar ingredients, and a lot of cultural confusion about what “vegan” even means, and it can go from mildly tricky to downright frustrating. I mean, how many times can one person ask, “Are you sure that doesn’t have fish sauce?” before just giving up and ordering a salad?
I read a lot of blogs and reviews of Thailand as a Vegan destination and almost without exception, they have one thing in common – To hook your interest and make you happy to subscribe or buy, they all portray Thailand as being a vegan paradise – and while that’s partly true, it’s definitely not the full picture. So if you’re thinking about heading to the Land of Smiles and wondering whether it’s going to be tofu heaven or a fishy nightmare, here’s what you actually need to know from a vegan who has lived here for many years.
Is Thailand Actually a Good Vegan Travel Destination for 2025, or just overhyped?
In a nutshell – Yes. And no.
It can be. In the more popular destination like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, you’ll find plenty of vegan cafés, plant-based menus, smoothie bowls and everything else you’d expect from a place firmly on the vegan travel map. Koh Phangan is also something of a veggie hotspot as well.
Places like Veganerie in Bangkok whip up silky green curries, and Anchan in Chiang Mai serves vibrant vegan dishes that really hit the spot. There are even smaller vegan chains like So Vegan with 3 outlets in Bangkok and Kem-Kon with 4 restaurants in Bangkok (read my post soon about the great meal I had at Kem-Kon on the Khao San Road recently) and one in the North in Khon Kaen.
But once you leave those hotspots, things can get a bit trickier. Menus aren’t always in English. Dishes might be listed as “vegetarian” but contain fish sauce, shrimp paste, or a sneaky bit of pork. And while people mean well, veganism as a concept isn’t always widely understood.
Real World Example:
Most of my Thai wife’s family know I’ve been vegan for over 10 years. But even now, food gets handed around at family meals that has “just a bit of pork” in it—because, to them, it’s not a big deal. They’re lovely, kind people, but total veganism isn’t really a cultural norm here, so eventually we just gave up trying to explain every time.
What is “Jay” Food?
Thailand has its own version of veganism, known as “Jay” (เจ). It comes from Chinese Buddhist traditions and excludes all animal products – meat, dairy, eggs, fish sauce, everything. It even skips pungent ingredients like garlic and onion. During the annual Jay Festival (usually around October), you’ll see yellow flags and stalls all over the place offering Jay dishes.
Some eateries offer Jay food year-round, and it’s a great way to find truly vegan local food. Just look for the red-and-yellow เจ sign and ask for “ah-harn jay” (อาหารเจ).
Favourite Jay Spots:
- So Vegan (Bangkok): Tiny stalls tucked inside shopping centres, dishing up proper Thai flavours that look and taste like authentic Thai dishes, for next to nothing. A total gem.
- Kem-Kon (Bangkok): Just off Khao San Road. Big menu, great food, and really friendly team. I met the manager Lee on my last visit – a lovely experience.
Look out for this ‘Jay’ sign on menus, on food packaging in shops and outside reastaurants and stalls. As in this image, depending on the font it may differ but in general it looks like the word “IF’ with a reversed F
Free Translation Tool:
For a bit of fun we created an Vegan speech translation tool which we’d love for you to try
It’s not perfect, and it has its flaws, so please give it a try and let us know what we can do to make it better. As said, it’s mainly a bit of fun but if it can help anyone, that would be fantastic.
Voice features can depend on your browser. Chrome, Safari, and Edge work best.
🍜 Vegan Dishes to Look Out For
Here are a few dishes that are either naturally vegan or easy to adjust—if you’re clear about what to leave out:
- Pad Thai (no egg, no fish sauce) – Make sure it’s cooked in a clean pan, without animal fats
- Vegetable Fried Rice – Again, say no to fish sauce, oyster sauce or egg
- Tom Kha Hed – Coconut soup with mushrooms (check for chicken broth or fish sauce)
- Som Tam (papaya salad) – Ask for no fish sauce or dried shrimp
- Sticky Rice with Mango – Naturally vegan and everywhere!
Suggested Activity:
Join a vegan cooking class in Thailand. Whether in Chiang Mai, Phuket or Bangkok, you’ll learn how to make authentic Thai dishes the plant-based way. It’s hands-on, super tasty, and a highlight for many vegan travellers in Thailand.
Best Spots for Vegan Food in Thailand
🥢 Bangkok – Top Spots for Vegan Food in the Big City
Busy, hot, chaotic, and packed with vegan options—if you know where to look. You’ll find everything from high-end vegan dining to tiny Jay stalls tucked into side streets and shopping centres.
Places like May Veggie Home, Broccoli Revolution, and So Vegan serve up authentic Thai flavours without the animal products. And if you haven’t been to Kem-Kon yet, it’s worth a visit – big menu, great prices, and a super welcoming team. One of their branches is just off Khao San Road.
🍜 Chiang Mai – Possibly the Vegan Capital of Thailand
If Thailand has a vegan capital, this is it. Chiang Mai is relaxed, friendly, creative, and full of plant-based cafés and restaurants. There’s a real community vibe here, and loads of places make veganism effortless—even if they don’t shout about it.
Don’t miss Goodsouls Kitchen or Free Bird Café, and if you’re into local markets and cooking classes, Chiang Mai delivers on both fronts.
🏝️ Thailand’s Islands – Vegan Options in Phuket, Koh Phangan & More
Just like the mainland, island life can be a mixed bag when it comes to vegan food, but the good news is that in the more popular spots, it’s totally doable.
Phuket has a growing number of vegan-friendly cafés, especially in areas like Kata and Rawai. Koh Phangan, long a wellness hub, is dotted with vegan and vegetarian places catering to the yoga crowd. You might need to do a little research, but apps like HappyCow will point you in the right direction.
Things to Know Before You Go
Being vegan in Thailand definitely possible. In fact, it can be amazing – but it’s all about knowing how to navigate it.
- Learn the word “Jay” (เจ) – It’s your best friend here
- Use HappyCow – The app is a lifesaver, especially in less obvious areas
- Be clear when ordering – No fish sauce, no oyster sauce, no egg, no animal oils, clean pans
- Don’t assume people understand veganism – It’s not common culturally, so explanations help
- For quick travel snacks – 7-eleven is your friend, with lots of nuts, seeds and dried fruits
Top Tip
I always carry Thai-language cards explaining exactly what I do and don’t eat. It saves loads of time and confusion, especially at street food stalls or smaller eateries. At GoVegan Travel, we give these cards to our customers too – it makes everything that much easier if visiting a café or restaurant that isn’t totally vegan
Ethical Vegan Travel in Thailand - What You Need to Know
Let’s not forget that being vegan, for many, isn’t just about food. It’s about travelling kindly and responsibly.
Thailand’s has had something of a reputation for animal tourism in the past, but thankfully things are changing. These days, more and more travellers are choosing ethical experiences, more places are offering them and many of the old-school elephant rides and animal shows are being replaced with more ethical options – but you still need to be careful.
If you want to interact with animals, choose places that don’t exploit them:
- No riding elephants or watching them perform tricks
- Ideally, choose places that have zero close interaction with the animals
- Look for genuine sanctuaries, not glorified zoos
- Support eco-friendly accommodation and local vegan businesses
Suggested Activity:
Visit a genuine animal hospital or sanctuary like Friends of Asian Elephants near Chiang Mai or Soi Dog Foundation in Phuket. No gimmicks, no rides—just elephants being elephants, living safely and freely.
Why Vegan Group Tours Might Be the Smart Way to Go
Let’s be honest – if you’re new to Thailand, don’t speak Thai, and want to make sure you actually eat something decent and even, dare we say, spectacular, a vegan group tour designed and led by fellow vegans can make life a lot easier and help make your journey memorable for all the right reasons
You won’t have to worry about language barriers, hidden animal ingredients, or spending your evenings Googling restaurant options while hungry, hot and jet-lagged.
Even better? You’re travelling with people who get it – no more awkward “can’t you just pick the meat out?” conversations. Just shared values, proper food, and an amazing journey.
On some group tours, all meals are included – World Vegan Travel and Vegan Travel Asia – while other like GoVegan Travel and Veggies Abroad choose to include many, but not all meals, giving their customers a bit more freedom to venture out and explore without the need to meet the group twice a day for meals. The choice is yours!
Dinner Deadlines? No thanks
We’ve intentionally chosen not to include every meal on our GoVegan Travel Thailand Tours – here’s why.
By skipping the All-Meals-Included approach, we prioritise your freedom. No rigid schedules. No paying upfront for meals that, in Thailand, usually cost just $4–10 and that sometime you may not even want.
Instead, your Tour Leader arranges an optional group dinner every evening at one of our favourite vegan-friendly restaurants – Join the group if it suits you and only pay for what you eat – or head out on your own now and then to explore something different.
It’s Your tour – Your pace – Your choice
Final Thoughts - Is Thailand Good for Vegans?
Yes… mostly.
In the main cities and with a bit of knowledge, it’s fantastic. Outside the general tourist areas? It gets harder – but not impossible. If you come prepared, stay patient, and know what to ask for, you’ll eat well, travel kindly, and maybe even pick up some cooking tips along the way.
Thailand isn’t perfect for vegans – but with the right mindset and a smidgen of common sense and courtesy, it’s pretty amazing.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Vegan Travel in Thailand
Do I need to speak Thai to travel as a vegan in Thailand?
No, but it definitely helps to learn a few key food phrases or carry a Thai-language vegan card. English is common in tourist areas, but less so in local markets or rural spots.
What should I say to explain I’m vegan in Thailand?
The word you want is “Jay” (เจ)—it’s recognised as meaning vegan. You can say “Chan gin jay” (for women) or “Pom gin jay” (for men) to say “I eat vegan.” But be specific if you’re avoiding garlic, eggs, or fish sauce.
Are there vegan options at street food stalls?
Sometimes, but they’re not always obvious. Look out for Jay signs during festival season, or ask directly. That said, it’s usually safer to head to dedicated vegan stalls or go with someone who knows the local language.
What if I accidentally eat something non-vegan?
It happens. Don’t beat yourself up. Ingredients like fish sauce or egg can sneak in even with the best preparation. Do your best, be polite, and just move on—veganism isn’t about perfection.
Is tipping expected in vegan restaurants in Thailand?
Not required, but always appreciated. In cafés or restaurants with table service, rounding up or leaving 20–50 baht is a nice gesture. For street food or food courts, it’s not expected at all.
Still have questions about vegan travel in Thailand? Drop them in the comments or get in touch – we’re happy to help.
💬 Let's Connect
Have you travelled in Thailand as a vegan? Did you find it easy or tough? Got any go-to dishes or places you’d recommend? Share your stories in the comments – We’d love to hear what worked (or didn’t!) for you.
